Bras

Once you know how to buy a properly fitting bra ,  it's as though a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. According to Silver Lining , 70% of women are wearing the wrong size bra, Girlawhirl says it's 80%.  Either way, that means many of we ladies are lacking proper support as we go about our days.  Well, we here at ShopWiki can't measure you in the fitting room, but at we can tell you how to measure yourself for the best support you can find this side of group therapy.

eHow has a simple step-by-step guide to finding your proper size. Basically there are two important measurements:

1. The chest size (also called the band size). This is the circumference taken around a woman's chest and back (below the breasts) and are shown as numbers such as 32, 34, 36, etc. in the United States.
2. The cup size. The cups are the parts of the bra that hold the breasts. Cup sizes are shown as letters - AA, A, B, C, etc.

In order to determine your bra size, first take your back measurement with a tape measure around your chest above your breasts. Next, in order to determine cup size, measure around your chest again, this time right over your breasts. Now, subtract the second measurement from the first one. Depending on how many inches of difference, that will give you the cup size to go along with your band size. For example, if your band size is 34" and you measure your chest to be 36", the difference is 2", making you a B cup.

It's important to get both the chest and cup sizes right to ensure a proper fit.  Once you know what size to buy, remember that different brands vary their measurements. If a bra feels like it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit - regardless of what the tag says. Know what supports you and don't be seduced by Italian lace   or zebra stripes . 

As with all clothing, bras can extend infinitely in any stylistic direction. Want lace bras ?  Satin bras ?  Gold lame bras ?  Cotton bras ?  Lycra bras ?  Same options go for color and size. But here are the bra-specific variables below.

What Are the Bra Options?

Strap Styles
Conventional Straps   Perfect under most tops. Provide good support and comfort. Come in a variety of fabrics and colors.	Strapless Bras   For strapless tops and gowns. Usually don't offer as much support as bras with straps. More difficult to find a good fit, as it has to stay put without the help of straps.	Racer Back Bras   Straps are slightly more stable, but make sure your shirt is cut to suit it. Great for sleeveless tops. Offers better support for larger breasts.	Convertible Bras   Removable straps can go one-shouldered, strapless, halter, or cross-backed. These can be tricky to figure out, and are often more expensive.	Backless Bras   For a low-backed top, these often have straps that come around the torso instead of the shoulders.

Common Coverages
Full Coverage Bras   Comfortable, simple, and easy. Well suited to breasts of all sizes. Best choice for cups sizes D or bigger.	Demi Cup Bras   Sexy half-cups aren't as secure feeling, but look great (if you're happy in them). More comfortable in smaller cup sizes.	Push Up Bras   Often with padding, these press the breast up and together, giving any woman more cleavage. Generally, more comfortable in wider straps because they literally pull the breasts up and in.	Deep Plunge Bras   Perfect for very low cut tops. Very wearable; they offer good coverage and good display.	Bustiers   Including torso coverage, often the best strapless option for bigger busts.

Specialty Bras
Training Bras   For pubescent girls before they've grown into conventional sizes.	Sports Bras   Serious support for any athletic activity. Some are sport specific like running bras .	Maternity Bras   With removable breast panels for breast feeding.	Minimizer Bras   To make larger chests seem smaller. Buy these in your regular size.	Mastectomy Bras   Intended to hold breast forms   to take the shape breasts. (Also good for cross dressers.)

Wires?
Wireless Bras   No problem for small chests, sometimes less constricting for larger chests. Soft and comfortable. Some women find these lack support.	Underwire Bras   Give more structure, shape, and support, as long as they're well made. Take extra care when washing not to damage wires. Some women find them uncomfortable.

Other Factors
Front Closure Bras   Streamline the back and are easier to put on and take off. Difficult for larger busts.	Water Bras   More realistic padding than the conventional synthetic fluff. Avoid leaking!	Lined Bras   Lightly lined throughout the cup for more protection and shape.	Padded Bras   If you want to add to your bustline consider a bra padded with cotton or synthetic fibers.

How to Find the Right Bra

Well, bras have to fit three things: your body, your outfit, and your budget. Many women find a style or three that suits them and just stay the course. Brand loyalty can be your friend in the underwear department.

For your budget , you can find bras on sale for $10 ,  for $30-$60 ,  or fancy ones for $80+ . 

For your outfit , you'll have to take into account:

• The cut of your top. Do you need something strapless or something that can accommodate a deep v-neck sweater? If the bra is for a specific occasion, make sure that you get the right style so your outfit is on display-not your undergarments.
• The fabric. If the shirt is sheer or see-through, you'll need a bra that closely matches your skin tone or the color of your top.
• The tightness. If the bra has any kind of texture to it, it might show through a tighter top. If your bra is visible, make sure that it is appropriate for where you are going. Showing up with your bra sticking out to an interview is wrong on so many levels, except, maybe if you're applying to be a stripper.

For your body , you'll have to actually try that sucker on. Look for:

• The cups shouldn't wrinkle nor should your breast runneth over. The cup should fit your form and feel good-if it's gapping anywhere, then it's just not the right bra for you.
• The back strap should lie horizontally across your back, not riding up, even if you bend over.
• The shoulder straps should support very little weight. The bra should stay up and stay on, even if you remove the straps. However, make sure that your straps are properly adjusted. This can make a big difference in the fit of the bra.
• Support. Jump for a moment. Did that hurt? Try to get a bra that has some effect on your vertical motion. Gravity is very strong and you might as well put up a bit of a fight!
• The center panel (where the cups meet each other) should lie flat against your breastbone. If it leans forward or digs into you, you need a larger size.
• Symmetry. Are your breasts different sizes? Many bras have removable padding   for such situations. Fit the larger breast and pad the smaller one.

For Small Breasts -- If you increase your cup size twofold, people will notice.

• Better to get a bra with a tad of padding and/or some uplift than for you to try to get away with a whole new chest.
• What's easier still? Don't pad at all. Be proud of what you've got! A small chest looks great in all clothes and you can sometimes even get away with not wearing a bra at all!

For Large Breasts -- Don't be afraid to get measured and try on many sizes to find the styles that fit you the best.

• Being wed to a specific alphanumeric combination will only lead to frustration, heartache, and a bad fit.
• Remember that buying a size too small will not make you look like you have a smaller pair of breasts, but rather will bisect each so that you have four small breasts, which is never very becoming.
• Wider straps   may help give you the support you need and will give your shoulders a break.
• If going strapless, you may have to resort to a bustiere   instead of a regular strapless bra   ; they're just more supportive and won't cut you off in a weird spot.
• And if buying a minimizer bra   remember to buy it in your proper size; it's made to reduce the size it calls for.

The best accessory for your breasts is confidence and pride in whatever size and shapes you're carrying around! Flaunt it

Bra Care

Once you've selected the perfect bra, you're going to want to kept it in good shape.  Here are  some tips to make your purchase last:

• Hand wash those goodies in cold water.
• If you must use a machine, buy a lingerie bag   and fasten all hooks before washing the bras. Use your washer's cold delicate cycle for the least wear and tear-bras are expensive!.

Popular Bras

Dream Tisha T-Shirt and Sweater Bra	Goddess Delustered Soft Cup Bra	Smooth Simplicity Seamless Molded Padded Shoulder Strap Bra	Enell Sports Bra	Anita Seamless Underwire Bra

Top Manufacturers

• Bali  
• Barely There  
• Calvin Klein  
• Chantelle  
• Felina  
• Fredicks of Hollywood  
• Hanes  
• La Perla  
• Maidenform Bras  
• Olga  
• Vanity Fair  
• Victoria's Secret  
• Warner  
• Wonderbra  

Related Products

Women's Sleepwear	Hosiery and Garter Belts	Panties	Corsets	Clothing for Women

External Links

• About.com -- What teens should know before buying a bra.
• BBC -- Holding up large breasts.
• Breast Talk -- A conversion chart for the sizes of all different countries.
• Easy Living Magazine -- Best convertible bras for any outfit.